Flexographic press is subjected to print misregistration when some colors do not fit well together. Certainly, they create blunders, delays and increase costs. There are some tips and tricks that rule out these grievous possibilities. Experienced flexographic ink manufacturers use smart tips to circumvent several anomalies.
Why does misregistration in printing occur?
The primary reason is colors not fitting into a proper set thus resulting in errors. The issue could be due to the plate in CtP device, film or dependency on climatic alterations. It is also a valid reason for ghosting images and damaging processes due to less ink. As flexographic inks are widely used for operations, avoiding mishaps that damage the machines and cause delays is important.
To get the right alignments pay attention to:
- Gear conditions
- Web growth or fanning out
- Issues with plate mounting and centering
- Web guide is malfunctioning
- Check for cylinder concentricity impressions
- Condition of cylinder/plate/sleeve
- Ensure rollers move smooth. If kept idle for long, they tend to drag and work irregularly
- Web wandering causes difficulties
- Substrate surface tension
- Incorrect tolerances
Flexographic Ink Manufacturers concerns
Printing problems do occur and they should be identified at the earliest. Additional care should be paid to other areas.
Wavy edges– check press substrate in advance. It reduces the number of sheets misregistered. It will also take care of problems in one part of the sheet or trailing sideway edges.
Press grip edge – study the settings from the manual before operation. When many colors are used the setting may change. Study the press grip edge and inspect the sheets to avoid problems.
Mechanical stretch – When flexographic inks are used for low density printing or linear low, there are chances of unwanted results. Check for the press cylinder or sheet edges. You can identify errors to stop high ink tack or any loose blankets. Trained staff of flexographic ink manufacturers keep an eye for such mechanical failures.
Reducing pressure of impressions – It is one of the most common reasons for misregistration. Different areas of the sheet are affected and the culprit could be heavily embossed plastics. Seasoned people adjust the impression rate for further damage.
Handling press speed – The gripper edge randomly goes off the grid creating a printing mishap. If the edge guide is not of any assistance, then the machine needs to be thoroughly checked. The speed control problem may be focused around the machinery. Try to get a moderate speed balance and test the level of registration.
Fixing idle rollers – In printing units, ink tends to build up on idle rollers. This is yet another common cause of misregistration. It results due to inaccurate transfer of ink from the substrate. They can be cleaned before processing and removes any contamination build up. When rollers are idle wrap them with sheets of paper. It will eliminate the soaking of excess ink in the substrate. Thus, it functions effectively.
This informative post is designed by Z-inks to skip delays, wear and tear on expensive machinery and wasted substrate.
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